I was SO close to interviewing JJ today.

[LightSith]

So, I go to Sarah Lawrence college, the place JJ went to and where he wrote Regarding Henry his senior year (kinda ruined it for the rest of us in the scriptwriting department).

Anyway, I'm in seminar with this guy who's the editor of one of the school newspapers, and he turns to me and goes:

"You're kind of a trek fan, right?"
"Yeah, why?"
"I'm doing a conference call with JJ after class and I need some questions about Star Trek with my other stuff, but I have no idea what to ask."

Well, my mind goes abuzz... but of course, I'm blank. I couldn't think of a question I've seen someone ask him a billion times in the countless interviews he's done recently.

But, I play it cool.

"Of course! Can I come to the interview?"
"No."

No!? What do you mean no!? You're asking for my help with a major interview and this is how you repay me!? Dick. You dick. I hate you.

But, anyway, I scribble down some questions on a piece of paper during class and hand it to the guy. To my recollection, they were:

1. What are, from your observations, the pitfalls of the Star Trek franchise and how did you try to avoid them in the movie?
2. What about the Kirk/Spock/McCoy dynamic did you find interesting and how do you use it to your advantage in the film?
3. What was is like to work with ILM?
4. How did you tackle a story that not only served as a stand alone origin story, but a continuation of a storyline started in the Next Generation two parter Unification parts I and II?
5. How much research did you do going into the film, and did it unfortunately lead you to watch Star Trek V?
6. Do you think the futuristic scope of the movie was a hindrance of a blessing as a storyteller?

If he answers any of the questions, I'll find out and I'll get back to you guys.

 

[urbandk]

cool!

 

[CaptainHawk1]

So, I'm guessing negotiating skills are something they don't teach at this college? You should have quid pro quo'ed him before giving him the questions and if he still refused, provided him with a bunch of questions about Star Wars (but not make it so obvious that editor boy could tell). Now that would have been a story to tell after he blows the biggest interview of his life.

Seriously, have you not learned anything from the Ferengi over the years?

And what have we learned today?

Rule of Acquisition #'s:

59. Free advice is seldom cheap
74. Knowledge equals profit.
98. Every man has his price.
109. Dignity and an empty sack is worth the sack (it wouldn't have hurt to beg)
111. Treat people in your debt like family ... exploit them.
285. No good deed ever goes unpunished.

And here's my un-official #287.

Always keep your cards close to your vest.

Class dimissed.

 

[Sector 7]

Rule of acquisition #300: The one with all the answers is usually the one who was not there.
We have all, at one time or another, been in your shoes. Now that we know the questions you came up with, we will give you credit for them when we see the interview.

p.s.- I hope he gets laryngitis that day.

 

[CaptainHawk1]

Rule of acquisition #300: The one with all the answers is usually the one who was not there.

Touché

p.s.- I hope he gets laryngitis that day

+1